Spring Writes Literary Festival

Schedule of Events:

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Panel: Writing Queer in an Era of Book Bans

According to PEN America the number of public school book bans across the United States rose by 33 percent in the 2022-23 school year, with nearly 6000 instances of banned books since tracking began in 2021. Upwards of 30% of these bans impact books that feature LGBTQIA+ themes and identities. Yet, despite these rampant bans, the surging sales of LGBTQIA+ titles has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise flagging book market.

In this panel, successful queer young adult authors Rob Costello, Amber Smith, Isabel Sterling and Kalynn Bayron will discuss the impact of the rising climate of censorship and intolerance on their work. They’ll talk about the joys and challenges of writing for a contemporary teen audience, share their own writing journeys, consider the enduring popularity of queer themes among today’s young readers, and celebrate the power and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

(There’s just one Registration Form for all May 2 to 5 events. It’s not required, but it’s helpful to us!)

Location: Buffalo Street Books / Dewitt Mall, 215 N Cayuga St. (Entrance on Buffalo St.)

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Poetry and Prose Open Mic

A Tompkins County Public Library event! Local poets and prose writers will have the opportunity to showcase their work during this free open mic event, open to writers of all ages and experience levels. This event is also open to community members who want to be part of our audience.

This is a library event, so has a separate registration from the other live Spring Writes May 2 to 5 events. If you are interested in being a reader, please indicate that in the registration form link below and a library staff person will get in touch with you. If you are interested an attending as an audience member, registration is encouraged but not required.

Registration for readers and audience at https://www.tcpl.org/event/spring-writes-poetry-and-prose-open-mic-46370. Should there be time at the end, we will open the floor to audience members who would like to read. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Paling at spaling@tcpl.org

Location: Tompkins County Public Library / 101 East Green Street (Ezra Cornell Reading Room)

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Competitive Wordle ($10 Cover)

The Internet’s favorite word game becomes Ithaca’s new favorite drinking game. Come face off in a competitive Wordle Off, hosted by local author and amateur game show host, Bob Proehl! Cutthroat Wordle-ing! Winners will be hailed as heroes! Losers will be mocked! There will be beer, and possibly carousing!

(There’s just one Registration Form for all May 2 to 5 events. It’s not required, but it’s helpful to us!)

Location: The Downstairs / 121 West State/MLK Jr. Street (location is not wheelchair accessible,)

8:00 pm to 11:00 pm (WITH AN AFTER PARTY!): Three of Cups